New England Patriots rumors: Julian Edelman inks multi-year deal
By John Buhler
New England Patriots slot wide receiver Julian Edelman isn’t going anywhere. He has reportedly signed a multi-year extension with the Patriots this summer.
Super Bowl LI hero and New England Patriots slot receiver Julian Edelman was entering the final year of his four-year contract with New England this upcoming season. Edelman signed a four-year deal worth $17 million in 2014 and was set to make $4.5 million in the final year of the deal.
The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo would first report on Thursday that the Patriots were in the process of working out a new extension for their slot receiver. ESPN’s Adam Schefter would later report that the Patriots had come to a multi-year deal with Edelman by Thursday afternoon.
Edelman has been with the Patriots since being drafted by the organization in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He had been a dual-threat quarterback for the Kent State Golden Flashes before making the transition to a dominant, speed possession receiver.
Patriots and WR Julian Edelman are moving toward a contract extension that should be completed in the next day or so, sources say.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 8, 2017
Patriots and WR Julian Edelman now have reached agreement on a multi-year contract extension, per sources. @MikeGarafolo predicted deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 8, 2017
Edelman has been part of the last two Super Bowl Championship teams in New England (2014, 2016). In his eight-year NFL career to date, Edelman has 425 receptions for 4,540 yards and 24 touchdowns. Though he has never been a Pro Bowler, Edelman has been massively important to the Patriots passing game these last few years.
With starting quarterback Tom Brady getting up their in age, getting the ball out quickly is immensely important for the Patriots passing game. Edelman has shown a passion for catching the quick screen pass and running angry up the field. He’s not the most skilled player on the New England roster, but Edelman is one of the more impactful players.
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Though he just turned 31, it would seem that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick thinks Edelman isn’t exiting his prime any time soon. Belichick is usually reluctant to pay players when they are on the decline. Twice has Edelman been a 1,000-yard receiver, including in 2016. Look for Edelman to continue to play at a high level in New England until he reaches his mid-30s.